A Cut Editor’s Search for the Perfect Black Summer Dress

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Our goal at the Cut Shop is to make you feel confident about what to spend your money on, whether it’s an investment or a high-street must-have. And this time around, it’s all about the little black dress for summer. The criteria? One that can work for a day date and evening plans. We also sought silhouettes different from the typical slip dress. Below, find out which black dresses made the cut from our market editor, Cortne.

Photo: Cortne Bonilla

This dress was by far my favorite. From the sultry deep V-neck to the breathable fabric and tailored silhouette, I could see it working for an afternoon lunch date in the city. The attention-grabbing ruffled and ruched detail along the plunging neckline is alluring and delicate — two adjectives that scream non-platonic. Overall rating: 10/10 for comfort and details.

Photo: Cortne Bonilla

If you’re in the market for a black summer dress that’s sustainable and will transcend fleeting trends, I suggest this dress from Another Tomorrow. The functional wrapping at the torso creates a cutout at the center front, which can be adjusted and hidden. Since I have a fuller chest, I chose to cinch the ties, which hid the cutout detail. The fullness of the skirt is enhanced by curved seams at the waist, giving it a pretty flair. Overall rating: 8/10 for silhouette and charm. I wish the top was better suited for broader shoulders.

Photo: Cortne Bonilla

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this affordable dress from H&M. At under $100, it has many details we want in a silk summer dress: soft, airy viscose fabric and a fun flair in the asymmetrical hemline. I love the draped effect and the ankle length for showing off sky-high summer sandals (or ballet flats, depending on the occasion), but I wish I had sized up for a flowier, looser feel. Overall rating: 6/10 for construction.

Photo: Cortne Bonilla

A little black dress is needed for all summer occasions, especially a day date. Although the silhouette of this dress was tapered at the waist on the model, I didn’t feel it fit me properly. The short, fluttery sleeves and subtle pleating fall flat when the waist doesn’t fit — structure would have made all the difference. Overall rating: 4/10.

Photo: Cortne Bonilla

For the warm-weather dates where the restaurant or lounge may require a dressier moment, Toccin is where it’s at. The Flora dress can work for day or night, depending on the footwear and the handbag carried. Think strappy sandals versus flat, or clutch versus shoulder bag. I love the flow and sophistication of this dress with its shoulder pads and cinched waist. I do wish the hemline was a bit longer — it would be nice for a sweeping effect. Overall rating: 7/10.

The ones that didn’t make the list: This dress from Sir the Label (the overlay was beyond small and didn’t fit me at all) and this one from Mango (which also didn’t fit.) This embroidered midi from Mango is gorgeous but only available online, and I will be purchasing it this week for park dates. For an afternoon of day drinking, I’ll be trying to locate this mixed-organza one from Zara in-store in my size, as well as this lined slip dress with a vintage feel.